Suspect wanted in burglaries of Rice & Beans restaurant, other East Orange businesses

February 9, 2014|By Desiree Stennett, Orlando Sentinel

Orange County deputies are searching for a man they say is responsible for a rash of commercial break-ins in the eastern part of the county.

Deputies say a man broke into several restaurants and businesses including the Rice & Beans Cocina Latina Cuban restaurant at 504 N. Alafaya Trail. The man was captured on surveillance video as he used a metal crowbar covered in chipped yellow paint to smash a front window.

The man only spent about one minute inside the restaurant. He used to crowbar to pry a cash register out of place and ran off with the cash box.

In each of the other burglaries, deputies say cash registers were the target.

In the Rice & Beans burglary, the suspect wore a black mask, a black shirt, blue jeans and black and yellow gloves. He is believed to be about 5 foot 5 to 5-9 with a thick build.

Deputies released a photo of the suspect captured during a seperate incident. If you know the identity of the suspect or have information about the burglaries, call Crimeline at 800-423-8477.